Blue Jays firmly among AL elite
One day after the passing of yet another hectic non-waiver trade deadline, there would seem to be seven American League teams jostling for five playoff spots, all with legitimate aspirations, all within five games of a wild-card berth. Some GMs made dramatic moves to improve themselves at positions of need, while others stayed the course, counting on players returning from injury and on players that may have thus far underperformed. Still others found themselves stymied in sincere efforts to improve upon what they had. No, the changes aren’t done but it’s more difficult to trade in August, with waivers necessary. In any case, it’s time to rate the contenders after the shuffling.
It’s far too early, but if the season had ended on Tuesday, the division winners would be the Rangers, Indians and Orioles, with the Red Sox as the top wild-card team, hosting the Jays in a one-game playoff at Fenway. But the match-ups can change from day to day.
Here is an unofficial ranking of the seven contenders.
TEXAS RANGERS
Jon Daniels already had a legitimate World Series contender, but the Rangers GM added catcher Jonathan Lucroy, outfielder Carlos Beltran and reliever Jeremy Jeffress at the deadline. In the week prior, they had added starter Lucas Harrell and reliever Dario Alvarez from the Braves.
The Rangers gave up six prospects, plus one to be named, in adding to the majorleague club, but managed to hang onto many of their best young players. The Texas bullpen is loaded with big arms, something that seems to be a common thread among this decade’s World Series contenders.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
GM Mike Chernoff was foiled in his bid to add Lucroy at the deadline, leaving the Indians with a real weakness behind the plate with Yan Gomes injured.
However, the Tribe added lefty reliever Andrew Miller from the Yankees and outfielder Brandon Guyer from the Rays. Miller, teaming with Cody Allen, gives the Indians a formidable back end of the pen.
The Indians gave up six prospects to add two players to the majorleague mix and they have the best manager among the contenders in Terry Francona. Guyer’s strength is against left-handed pitching.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
GM Ross Atkins said he was in on trade discussions for 19 different starting pitchers, ending up with veteran lefty Francisco Liriano at the deadline. The Jays have done well with another former Pirates lefthander, J.A. Happ, and are hoping lightning strikes twice.
Much of the Jays heavy lifting was done earlier in the summer. They recognized the importance in the post-season of a strong bullpen and have made the controversial decision to let Aaron Sanchez resume his eighth-inning role. Since opening day they have added Jason Grilli, Joaquin Benoit and, on Monday, Scott Feldman from the Astros. The bench is improved with Melvin Upton Jr.
BOSTON RED SOX
President Dave Dombrowski added lefty reliever Fernando Abad at the deadline, at the same time closer Craig Kimbrel returned from the disabled list. The Sox countered the loss of Koji Uehara earlier when they ac- quired right-hander Brad Ziegler.
Dombrowski fired the first MLB shot and set the bar high for adding starting pitchers at the deadline when he traded for left-hander Drew Pomeranz from the Padres. On Tuesday, they promoted top outfield prospect Andrew Benintendi. There is little doubt they will stay close in the AL East.
HOUSTON ASTROS
GM Jeff Luhnow sent away a couple of relievers on trade deadline day, Feldman to the Jays and Josh Fields to the Dodgers. The Astros have the most dynamic double-play combination among all the contenders, with second baseman Jose Altuve, the league’s top hitter, and shortstop Carlos Correa.
Earlier, they signed Cuban thirdbaseman Yuliesky Gurriel, 32, to a five-year deal and will be counting on him to contribute immediately when he joins the Astros during the final two months.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
GM Dan Duquette added lefty starter Wade Miley from the Mariners, signed reliever Logan Ondrusek from Japan and re-patriated outfielder Steve Pearce from the Rays. The O’s lead the AL East but their grasp is tenuous. Miley has starting experience in the AL East with Boston, but was not much of a factor with the Red Sox. However the 29year-old is an upgrade on what the Orioles had.
DETROIT TIGERS
GM Al Avila did nothing at the deadline, but at a point in the season at which the Tigers are usually backing up through the standings, they are riding starters Justin Verlander and Michael Fulmer, plus the big bats of Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Ian Kinsler, to chase the Indians in the AL Central. Closer Francisco Rodriguez has 29 saves and is a difference maker.